Winston-Salem police chief to retire next year

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Winston-Salem police chief to retire next year

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem Police Chief Scott Cunningham will retire next year, the city announced Thursday in a news release.

Cunningham, the city’s police chief since 2008, said he will retire at the end of June.

Cunningham was sworn in as the city’s 13th police chief in June of 2008.

“I am very proud of what we have accomplished in Winston-Salem. Our community and citizens enjoy an enhanced quality of life and a closer positive relationship with the police department,” said Cunningham.

Under Cunningham, the police department force increased to 569 officers, while reducing citizen complaints by over 30 percent, according to a news release from the city.

City Manager Lee Garrity said he was grateful for Cunningham’s service and will soon begin a national search for a new police chief.

“I plan to conduct a national search that includes significant opportunities for input from elected officials, police employees and the community.”

Garrity said they expect to announce the details of the selection process in January.